CNI News

26 August 2025

The State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) could hold peace talks with armed groups individually before the upcoming election, U Khun Sai, who is involved in the peace process, told CNI News.

During the Peace Forum, there were also proposals and discussions suggesting that peace implementation could be carried out by granting power-sharing arrangements to states and regions.

U Khun Sai, who is participating in the peace process, said that negotiations with armed groups might take place individually before the election.

“Right now, the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) has two parts. One part is the basic principles. That part will not change much. But in terms of implementation, in the past there were only 21 armed groups. Now there are hundreds, so a lot of adjustments will be needed. It will take time to include everyone. Otherwise, what can be done for now is to negotiate individually with each group. Another possible way, as was raised at the Peace Forum, is to discuss after granting responsibilities and power to states and regions. Whether these will happen immediately or easily is uncertain. At the moment, looking at the situation after the Peace Forum, peace talks before the election are more likely to be only with individual groups that are possible to engage with.” he said.

While a peace Forum was being held

Military and political analysts point out that under the current circumstances, it will not be easy to bring nearly all ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) together before the election.

Currently, peace initiatives and forums are being held only with the seven groups that have signed the NCA, while other ethnic armed organizations actively engaged in fighting are not participating.

Dr. Aye Maung, Chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), told CNI News that it is crucial to address and negotiate the fundamental reasons for armed resistance and political aspirations between both sides in order to achieve results.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing meeting with armed groups

“The upcoming 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement on October 15 will likely be celebrated in a grand manner. The SSPC is preparing for that. The coming election is set for December 28. The NCA of October 15 is a major agreement between the government and armed groups after independence. Whether it will endure long-term and whether both sides can negotiate to resolve the root causes of armed struggle and political aspirations—that is extremely important. On October 15, when all the armed groups come together, we want to see them producing answers for Myanmar’s political future.” he said.

It is reported that leaders of ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) who were involved in the original NCA drafting process will be invited to the 10th Anniversary event on October 15.

After the NCA anniversary, a Peace Forum is also scheduled to be held on October 16–17, according to military and political analysts.

However, assessments note that due to internal disagreements within some armed groups, it may not be possible for all to attend.

CNI News

26 August 2025

The Shan Human Rights Foundation (SHRF) announced on August 25, 2025, that there are 19 rare earth mines within the territory controlled by the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA) in Special Region 4, eastern Shan State.

According to SHRF, satellite images taken on May 3, 2025, revealed the existence of 19 rare earth mining sites inside NDAA (Mong La Army) territory near the Mekong River in eastern Shan State.

“Satellite images captured in May 2025 show 19 rare earth mining sites under the control of the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA, also known as the Mong La Army) in Mong Yawn Township, at the easternmost part of Shan State. These sites are located less than 40 kilometers from the Mekong River.” said the foundation.

Most of these mines are located in mountainous areas about four kilometers from the Chinese border, at elevations of 4,000–5,000 feet above sea level. Water from this region flows into the Nap Stream, which continues southward into the Lwe River—a tributary of the Mekong River—according to SHRF.

It further stated that three of the mining sites are situated in the mountains south of the Lwe River, where water from the mines flows northward into the Lwe River.

In Myanmar, rare earth mining sites are found in Kachin State under the control of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA)—specifically in Panwa, Chipwi, and Momauk—as well as in eastern Shan State, controlled by the NDAA and UWSA (United Wa State Army).

The NDAA broke away from the Communist Party of Burma in 1989, signed a peace agreement with the Myanmar Tatmadaw, and its area was designated as Special Region 4.

CNI News

26 August 2025

The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has been accused by the State Security and Peace Commission's information team of destroying the world-renowned Goteik Viaduct. 

According to a statement released on August 24, 2025, the TNLA reportedly used a mine to blow up the bridge that morning.

The statement alleges that the TNLA, which is currently active in and around the town of Kyaukme in northern Shan State, planted the mine that destroyed the bridge. As a result, a 60-foot section of the bridge's steel truss, specifically between pier P-16 and abutment AB-2 on the Kyaukme side, was damaged.

The TNLA has denied responsibility for the destruction.

The Goteik Viaduct is located on the Mandalay-Lashio railway line, connecting the towns of Nawnghkio and Kyaukme in northern Shan State. It was built in 1899, completed in 1900, and began operation in 1903. The railway bridge is 2,260 feet long, stands 1,100 feet above sea level, and is 125 years old.

The accusations come amid ongoing clashes between the TNLA and the Myanmar Tatmadaw in Kyaukme Township.

CNI News

25 August 2025

A peace process participant, U Khun Saing, told CNI News that the Chinese government's pressure is greater on ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) than on the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

Leaders from the TNLA, SSPP, and MNDAA met with the United Wa State Army (UWSA) in Panghsang. According to a WSTV statement on August 20, 2025, the UWSA will no longer provide weapons and equipment to any armed groups.

Because of this, U Khun Saing said, Chinese pressure is significant on the ethnic armed groups. China's pressure on the Myanmar Tatmadaw is likely to be a request to de-escalate military tensions due to the upcoming elections.

He said, "I think the pressure is greater on the EAOs. There is one thing China can pressure the Myanmar Tatmadaw on, and that is to reduce military escalation because they have to hold elections. At the last Mekong-Lancang meeting, Mr. Wang Yi told the Myanmar Tatmadaw that what is needed now is peace. He said, 'Peace comes first, so strive for peace. Only when there is peace can you hold elections.' Secondly, he said to work for national reconciliation. And third, to work for social unity. I think they will also tell the opposition ethnic groups to reduce military tensions."

While UWSA, SSPP, MNDAA and TNLA were holding a meeting in Pansang on August 20, 2025

UWSA Deputy Chairman Kyauk Kaw Ann stated that they will not support any organization with weapons, equipment, or financial assistance for any reason. He also warned organizations not to disturb the Wa State by requesting weapons, equipment, financial aid, or other matters.

Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, an analyst on China-Myanmar affairs, told CNI News that the cessation of support could be a deal with the Myanmar Tatmadaw to prevent elections from being held in the UWSA’s region.

"What happened in the meantime is that the State Security and Peace Commission sent delegates to the Wa and Mong La regions to tell them to hold elections. I heard they refused, saying they couldn’t hold elections. Maybe that's why they made a deal. The SSPC wants their election to be legitimate, and they want it to be held in as many places as possible. But I heard that both the Wa and Mong La refused." she said.

Three leaders from TNLA, MNDAA and AA

The TNLA and MNDAA jointly carried out Operation 1027 and captured nearly 20 towns in northern Shan State and Mandalay Region. Afterward, China blocked the UWSA from selling weapons, ammunition, food, fuel, and medicine to the TNLA and MNDAA.

As a result, the TNLA became weak in weapons and had to withdraw from Nawngcho. Currently, they are waging a defensive war in the towns of Kyaukme, Hsipaw, and Mogok.

CNI News
23 August 2025

Military and political observers are questioning the reasons behind the Arakan Army (AA) fighting alongside the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) against the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) in an effort to control the Indawgyi region, where the majority of the population is Shanni.

On August 16, 2025, about 200 KIA/AA joint troops began an offensive on SNA camps in the villages of Ma Mong Kaing and Maing Naung to gain control of the Indawgyi region.

After losing some of their camps, the SNA launched a counter-offensive on August 17, successfully retaking the lost camps.

U Sai Htay Aung, the chairman of the Tai-Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party, told CNI News that the AA might have joined the battle because the KIA requested military assistance. Another possibility is that the KIA granted the AA jade mining rights, which obligated them to join the fighting.

"The AA is an ally of the KIA, so they might have joined because the KIA requested military assistance. The KIA also reportedly gave the AA jade mining rights in areas they control, like the Hpakant region, which may have made their participation mandatory. Also, the AA attacked Ma Mung Kaing village on August 16th and then retreated on the 17th. We heard that the AA was the first to withdraw. If that's what the AA said, we're happy about it. The news we received is that they didn't want to fight their fellow ethnic group and were the first to withdraw. The SNA also maintained a spirit of brotherhood with other ethnic groups, so when the AA was the first to retreat, it showed that there's an ethnic brotherhood. So, there is no reason for us not to live in peace and harmony," he said.

The Indawgyi region

The AA is an Arakanese armed group that was founded by the KIA in April 2009 in Laiza, Kachin State. The AA's leaders still reside in Laiza. Since its founding, the AA has participated in joint operations with the KIA.

CNI attempted to contact the AA for comment on their joint attack with the KIA against the SNA in the Indawgyi region but was unable to reach them.

The Indawgyi region is located in Mohnyin Township, Kachin State, and is home to a majority Shanni population.

According to Indawgyi locals, while the KIA was in control of the region, they oppressed the local population in various ways, including going house to house to arrest and conscript young people and collecting taxes. In July 2025, the Shanni armed group, SNA, penetrated and took control of the Indawgyi region.

Currently, the KIA is fighting alongside PDF groups to attack the SNA in the townships of Banmauk and Homalin in the Sagaing Region, which are under the SNA's control, in an effort to seize those areas.

CNI News
22 August 2025

The Union Election Commission (UEC) announced on August 21, 2025 that political parties competing in the upcoming elections in Myanmar are now permitted to carry out their campaign activities.

The first phase of the election in Myanmar will be held on December 28, 2025.

The remaining phases will be held in January 2026.

CNI News
22 August 2025

The Union Election Commission (UEC) announced on August 20, 2025, that it has set and declared the dates for the submission, withdrawal, and scrutiny of Hluttaw candidate lists for the various Hluttaws.

CNI News
22 August 2025

With the upcoming election, the decision has been made to hold the Pyithu Hluttaw election using the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system across all 330 constituencies.

This has prompted discussions among political parties about what the voting process should be in areas controlled and not controlled by the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

On August 20, the Union Election Commission (UEC) announced that the first phase of the election would be held in 102 townships.

This raises the question of whether the 63 townships under martial law will be included in the remaining areas where elections are to be held, said Dr. Aye Maung, Chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), to CNI News.

He stated, "In a state, there will be some townships controlled by the government and some that are not yet controlled. If elections are to be held in all 330 townships, it means that they will be held simultaneously in both controlled and uncontrolled townships, or they will be held in multiple phases. So, how will ballot boxes be set up? Ballot boxes can be set up in controlled areas, but how will they be set up in towns that are not yet controlled? Or, if the voters from those uncontrolled towns are residing in controlled areas, is the decision to hold the election in all 330 townships based on considering their votes? If so, will those people from uncontrolled areas who are now residing in controlled areas be allowed to vote there, or will they be allowed to cast an advance vote, or an absentee ballot? We don't know yet. The Pyithu Hluttaw, the Amyotha Hluttaw, and the Region/State Hluttaws are all using the FPTP system. What kind of voting method will be used in the controlled and uncontrolled towns? The Election Commission says that people have to go and vote at the polling station using an electronic voting machine. It seems we need to ask the Election Commission this question again."

Voting is in progress

The UEC had announced on August 18 that the first phase of the multi-party democratic general election for various Hluttaws would take place on December 28, 2025, and that the dates for subsequent phases would be announced later.

Furthermore, the election will use electronic voting machines and a two-system approach, where voters can choose a candidate and cast their ballot, and also select and vote for a party.

It is also heard that voters must go to the location where the ballot box is set up to cast their vote. Dr. Aye Maung, Chairman of the AFP, told CNI News that the voting process in government-controlled and uncontrolled areas raises questions.

He said, "For example, if voters from uncontrolled townships want to cast an advance vote or an absentee ballot for the candidates running in their respective townships, it would take some time. It can't be done in a single day. The nature of the Pyithu Hluttaw election under the FPTP system is that in a state, about half of the townships are controlled and elections will be held there. But what about the other half that are not yet controlled? Will polling stations be set up in controlled areas to ensure that voters from uncontrolled townships do not lose their right to vote? Will the votes of those voters from uncontrolled townships who are now in other regions or states be collected via absentee or advance voting? How will the representatives for the 330 Pyithu Hluttaw constituencies be elected? I think it would be better if the Election Commission provided a clarification after a separate discussion. It would also be better for the voters."

KIA troops are seen

Currently, with the election date confirmed, political parties say that the campaign period could be 60 days, based on previous election experiences.

As the election approaches, there are concerns about the security of the parties and the candidates who will be competing.

However, at an election-related meeting on August 12, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated that the State Security and Peace Commission must provide protection for the political parties and candidates from the campaign period until the voting day.

CNI News

22 August 2025

The Chairman of the Tai-Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), Sai Htay Aung, told CNI News that if the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) desires peace, it needs to avoid being greedy.

His comments came after TNLA's General Secretary, Major General Tar Bone Kyaw, wrote on his Facebook page on August 12, 2025, that the biggest challenge in the current revolution is China's self-interested dominance and control.

TNDP Chairman Sai Htay Aung suggested that China's recommendations during negotiations could be a source of pressure for the TNLA.

"From my perspective, if the TNLA wants peace, I want to say that it is necessary not to be greedy," said Sai Htay Aung. "Taking what is rightfully yours is worry-free. But if you forcibly take something that isn't yours, it's like embracing a burning object. Therefore, if we are to live together in friendship and harmony among ethnic groups, it is necessary to reduce greed and ego. As for the pressure on them, they are now negotiating with China. China will likely give suggestions on what they should do for peace in Myanmar. That suggestion could become a pressure point for them."

The TNLA troops

The TNLA, along with the Kokang forces (MNDAA), the Arakan Army (AA), People's Defense Forces (PDF), BPLA, KNDA, BNRA, and MDY-PDF, launched "Operation 1027" on October 27, 2023. They attacked and captured several towns in northern Shan State, including Namhkam, Nansang, Mantong, Namtu, Mong Ngor, Kutkai, Hsipaw, Kyaukme, Nawnghkio, and Momeik, as well as Mogok in Mandalay Region.

Following this, the Chinese government applied pressure to stop the fighting and engage in dialogue, imposing five major restrictions on the TNLA. Similarly, it pressured the MNDAA to halt joint military operations and offensives, forcing them to withdraw from Lashio, and banned the supply of weapons and ammunition to the TNLA.

As a result, the TNLA held initial talks with the Myanmar Tatmadaw on February 16-17, 2025, followed by a second round on April 28-29. A third round of talks is expected in August 2025.

Currently, the Myanmar Tatmadaw, which recaptured the TNLA-controlled town of Nawnghkio in July 2025, is now launching offensives to retake Kyaukme, Hsipaw, and Mogok.

While seeing the TNLA and the two delegates of Myanmar Tatmadaw

U Khun Sai, who is involved in the peace process, told CNI News that given the current situation, he believes the TNLA should engage in dialogue and expects that they will.

"If we look at the state of global tensions, even while one side is fighting, the other side is negotiating. Fighting and negotiating are often done simultaneously. Historically and practically, everyone does it. Negotiations can be public, or they can be held behind closed doors, without any news released, and without the media being informed. Such things are happening now. We can't say the TNLA is completely avoiding dialogue. But they should do it, and I hope they will," he said.

At a press conference on August 5, TNLA spokesperson Lway Yay Oo confirmed that Chinese government pressure on their military operations continues. She stated that because they cannot defy the pressure from the Chinese government, they have to cooperate and will attend the talks.

Meanwhile, during a speech to officers and their families in the Magway cantonment on August 18, 2025, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, stated that the biggest challenge during periods of political instability is the effort by states to secede.